Growing role of religions must not cause fault line, says its deputy chairman
By Clarissa Oon, Senior Political Correspondent
'If we close ourselves inside our religious communities, that narrows the common space with other Singaporeans,' said Mr Lim Boon Heng (left), who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. -- ST PHOTO: SHAHRIYA YAHAYA
SINGAPOREANS are becoming more religious, which could create broader social fault lines that the People's Association (PA) must bridge, deputy chairman Lim Boon Heng said on Sunday.
The surge of new immigrants and the growing income divide were among other challenges he flagged at a seminar to fine-tune the PA's vision and outreach as it works to keep pace with an evolving society.
Addressing some 800 grassroots leaders at a seminar at the Suntec convention centre, he noted more people are turning to religion for comfort and solace as they try to cope with the economic downturn.
'Nothing wrong with that, but if we close ourselves inside our religious communities, that narrows the common space with other Singaporeans,' said Mr Lim, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
The PA must do more to bring together different groups as society becomes more diverse and complex, he added. Other tasks he laid out for the PA, which marks its 50th anniversary next year:
Bridging the income divide by persuading more successful businessmen and professionals to volunteer as grassroots leaders and contribute funds.
Convincing more young people to join activities and become grassroots leaders.
Helping residents new to Singapore to integrate and understand the sensitivities of a multiracial, multi-religious society.
Mr Lim unveiled the new mission statement: 'To build and to bridge communities in achieving one people, one Singapore'.
While the PA's core nation-building role remains unchanged, it will focus more on 'building' and 'bridging' communities.
Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.
[email protected]
By Clarissa Oon, Senior Political Correspondent
'If we close ourselves inside our religious communities, that narrows the common space with other Singaporeans,' said Mr Lim Boon Heng (left), who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. -- ST PHOTO: SHAHRIYA YAHAYA
SINGAPOREANS are becoming more religious, which could create broader social fault lines that the People's Association (PA) must bridge, deputy chairman Lim Boon Heng said on Sunday.
The surge of new immigrants and the growing income divide were among other challenges he flagged at a seminar to fine-tune the PA's vision and outreach as it works to keep pace with an evolving society.
Addressing some 800 grassroots leaders at a seminar at the Suntec convention centre, he noted more people are turning to religion for comfort and solace as they try to cope with the economic downturn.
'Nothing wrong with that, but if we close ourselves inside our religious communities, that narrows the common space with other Singaporeans,' said Mr Lim, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
The PA must do more to bring together different groups as society becomes more diverse and complex, he added. Other tasks he laid out for the PA, which marks its 50th anniversary next year:
Bridging the income divide by persuading more successful businessmen and professionals to volunteer as grassroots leaders and contribute funds.
Convincing more young people to join activities and become grassroots leaders.
Helping residents new to Singapore to integrate and understand the sensitivities of a multiracial, multi-religious society.
Mr Lim unveiled the new mission statement: 'To build and to bridge communities in achieving one people, one Singapore'.
While the PA's core nation-building role remains unchanged, it will focus more on 'building' and 'bridging' communities.
Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.
[email protected]
